Nala the rescue dog has finally found a home after 400 days in a shelter. The terrier-cross left the RSPCA Newport Animal Centre for a permanent home with a family from Gloucestershire, according to Nation.Cymru, which quoted centre staff about her long wait.
Nala arrived at the Hartridge Road centre in early 2023 and became one of its longest-staying residents, her case highlighted in the RSPCA’s Adoptober campaign. She had come from a difficult start and initially struggled to trust people and adapt to kennel life, a challenge staff say required patient, consistent care.
Spotted on Instagram
The breakthrough came through social media. Sarah and her family had been searching for a rescue dog when their daughter noticed Nala on the RSPCA Newport Instagram account and told them about her. After applying, the family visited several times — first as a couple, then as a whole household — to build a bond at Nala’s pace.
Animal care assistant Katinka Slingsby said Nala arrived very worried about the world and found human contact difficult, but learned to trust and eventually came for fusses and love. The family deliberately avoided introducing too many new things at once, creating a calm environment while Nala learned that home was safe.
Kisses, laps and a new life
Today, Nala enjoys being stroked and tickled, jumps onto laps for sleep, and gives what her new owners call “special Nala kisses”. Centre manager Amirah Jones said staff were thrilled to see how well she had settled, and praised a family who had been committed and respectful throughout.
Nala’s adoption also shines a light on the dogs still waiting. The centre noted other long-stay residents, including French bulldog Bertie, lurcher Leonardo and cat Melanie, each still looking for a home. For anyone considering a rescue, Nala’s story carries a simple message: the frightened dog in the kennel may only need time.
